Wednesday, April 22, 2020

I've Retired. Why am I so busy?

December of 2019 I retired from my position. No, I left my position. No, I was downsized out of my position as an executive assistant. Don’t feel sorry for me yet!

As I walked out the door I noticed everyone was smiling at me. How did they know? Was my name on a list telling the world what happened? Oh My Gosh!!!!

As I made my way to Starbucks people I noticed people were still smiling at me. Was my notice placed in the newspaper (sorry, dated myself with that one) was my notice placed on Facebook?

As I passed the mirror I realized why everyone was smiling at me. Because I had the biggest smile on my face and I was smiling at them!!! Go figure.

I say all that to say this, transitions are needed, necessary, and really they are not as unexpected as we want to believe.

From December 2019 until the executive order came down to “shelter in place” I was already sheltering in place. Zoom meetings with mentees, food deliveries so I did not have to stop studying (yes, I am still in school). Conference calls with my ministry team and most importantly,
Facebook Messenger for Kids" with my granddaughter.

It was what happened after the “shelter in place” I didn’t expect. Leaders, business owners, entrepreneurs were contacting me:

“Are you working as a virtual assistant?” Me: “Um, no”

“Do you know a virtual assistant? Me: “Um, yes”

“Can you help me put together a PowerPoint deck? Me: “Um, no, swamped, but I know someone who can”

“How do I find an assistant?” Me: “Um, let’s talk”

And "let’s talk" made me realize it was time to finish my book. This book has been on my shelf for years! And now I have the time … and now I will make time to finish it.

I will say this on Administrative Professionals Day!

You are the essential workers that will always be needed. Even in your retirement. You have been gifted with knowledge and wisdom. Never sell yourself short.

If you are like me, retired yet still smiling even during this time of uncertainty.

Embrace the shift, make a plan, and enjoy the journey!

"The glory of young men is their strength and the beauty of old men is the gray head."Proverbs 20:29